Show kids that who they are—not what they look like—is what really counts. In this fun and engaging activity, kids learn to love who God created them to be.

Children as young as 3 years old are conscious of their body image. In a 2014 study, researchers found that almost 38 percent of boys and 30 percent of girls wished to be a different body shape—most wishing they were bigger. The results of the study showed that boys were more influenced by their father’s attitude about body image than girls were about their mother’s attitude.

You have influence in kids’ lives too. You can help kids develop Christ-centered self-esteem to withstand the world’s often misguided messages about their worth.

Object Lesson: How to Talk to Kids About Body Image

You’ll need:

• Bible (try this kid-friendly version!)
• mirrors
• Silly Putty for each child

Consider making a certificate for the contest winner by cutting pictures of noses from magazines and taping them to a page that reads “Best Prosthetic Nose Award.”

Say: It’s time for a makeover. I want you to give yourself a new nose using these supplies.

Let kids go to work molding the putty on their noses to create a new look—being careful not to cover their nostrils. Have mirrors available for kids to check out their handiwork, and give kids a few minutes to complete their new noses.

At the end of the game, discuss the following.

• What was it like to create a new nose for yourself?
• How do these noses create a different image of your face?
• What are other ways we portray a “pretend image” of who we are inside?

Read aloud 1 Samuel 16:7.

Ask:

• Why do you think it matters to God whether we are honest about who we really are or if we portray a pretend or fake image?

Say: It’s fun creating new noses. But it’s easy to create a fake image of ourselves in other ways. Remember, God wants us to be honest about who we really are, both to others and ourselves. After all, God made each of us and values us all equally. And God loves you for the person he created you to be!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you liked this activity, check out The Giant Book of Games for Children’s Ministry. It’s cram-packed full of games that have faith tie-ins and are just plain fun!